2008 Macarthur Business Hall of Fame

Three leading entrepreneurs from the Macarthur business community were honoured on Thursday 28 August before an audience of over 300 people drawn from across the Macarthur Region.

Bruno Lopreiato, Tony Perich and Stephen Heraghty were inducted into the 2008 Macarthur Business Hall of Fame and presented with a stunning glass trophy as a memento of the occasion. On a perfect August evening at The Cube, Contention and Entertainment Centre, the audience watched an impressive visual display of achievements of these three prominent Macarthur businessmen.

MACROC President, Councillor Rob Elliott explains the significance of the Event, “In creating the Macarthur Business Hall of Fame, the Councils of the Macarthur Region want to publicly acknowledge the significant contribution that certain individuals make to the success of this Region. These individuals recognise that business success is more than just about making a profit, it is about actively supporting the area in which you conduct your business. It is about developing a strong sense of commitment to place and community.”

“This year MACROC is delighted to acknowledge three business entrepreneurs who have contributed not only to the creation of employment and economic growth in the Region but who have also been actively involved in contributing to the social fabric of our community.”

“These three men from such different backgrounds and in such diverse industries have one thing in common,” says Cr Rob Elliott, “they have all actively sought to increase the economic and social capital of our Macarthur community. And for that we thank them.”

Stephen Heraghty

Stephen Heraghty started his working life 30 years ago with just one truck but soon realised that he needed to expand. And expand he did! With business partner Tony Lamattina, they built up a transport company first locating in Mascot, then at Chipping Norton. When one of their competitors announced free demurrage by train from the Port, Stephen and his partner bought land on the train line at Minto to better compete.

Bruno Lopreiato

Tony Perich

Tony’s parents, Kolombo and Julia Perich, immigrated to Australia from Croatia and started making their living as market gardeners. Tony left school at an early age to work with is family. Keen to expand the business he and his brother persuaded their father to move into the diary industry.